Cowboys Show Quick-Strike Potential

Troy Aikman threw a touchdown pass and rookie cornerback Kevin Mathis had a touchdown off an interception return and the Dallas Cowboys outlasted the St. Louis Rams, 34-31, at Irving, Texas.

Emmitt Smith made his 1997 debut for Dallas but could gain only 24 yards in 12 carries.

St. Louis built a 10-0 lead, but Richie Cunningham kicked a 34-yard field goal for the Cowboys and Billy Davis blocked a punt by Will Brice out of the end zone.

Then the Cowboys struck for two touchdowns in eight seconds. Aikman threw an eight-yard scoring pass to tight end Eric Bjornson, and on the next play from scrimmage, Tony Banks was picked off by Mathis, who returned the interception 27 yards for a touchdown.

The 95-degree heat got to Aikman, who became dehydrated and was given intravenous fluids at halftime. Aikman wasn’t going to play the second half anyway after completing 14 of 25 passes for 160 yards, including seven tosses to Michael Irvin for 90 yards.

Both teams are 1-2.